By Venter Mwongera
Mrs. Bilha Gitonga holds a Bachelor of Science (Engineering) specializing in Chemical and Process Engineering, she holds a masters in Environmental Engineering and currently she is pursuing a PHD in Engineering. She is an associate Lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. She is 33 years old. Her family lives in Kenya though she travels to Dar es Salaam more often.
Q: What is your name?
Ans: Mrs. Bilha E. Gitonga
Q: What did you pursue in Form IV, the subjects you majored on in Form V & VI, in your undergraduate level, Masters and what you are currently studying for your doctorate?
Ans:
In Form III of my secondary school, I concentrated in science subjects (mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology), Form V & VI I, i did PCM combination that is PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY and MATHEMATICS. Undergraduate level, I did Bachelor of Science (Engineering) and I specialized in Chemical and Process Engineering. I later on mastered in Environmental Engineering. Currently, i am pursuing a PHD in Engineering and i hope to be through by next year.
Q: Why do you have passion for science subjects?
Ans: since when I was in Primary School, I used to perform very well in mathematics and science subjects. This caused me to love these subjects more than other subjects.
Q: What is your inspiration?
Ans: I would want to be a competent Doctor in Engineering especially in environment just like my mentor, Professor Jamidu H. Y. Katima
Q: What are some of the challenges you were faced with while pursuing your studies? (Primary level to where you are to date)
Ans:
The challenges I faced in my primary school as a bright girl was hatred from boys. Many didn’t like a scenario where by a girl would beat them in class especially in sciences and mathematics.
In the university, some male students and lecturers wanted to have illicit relationship with me just because I was a bright lady.
As a married woman, the main challenge am facing now, is to balance my studies with my family. I have to make sure that I remain a good and dutiful wife to my husband and a good mother to my children at the same time concentrate with my studies.
Q: Have you ever been discriminated upon because you are studying subjects that were previously deemed men subject?
Ans:
No and yes. Earlier on, i had to develop a tortoise skin in order to survive; lest i fall due to hatred from men. But lately, the World has changed and people have become more informed. Many girls are taking science subjects just like men. So, the attitude towards us women in men dominated profession has changed and ought to be.
Q: Did your parents, brothers and sisters discourage you from following your dream when you noticed that your strength was in science subjects?
Ans:
No, my parents, brothers and sisters were happy. In fact, they supported me and this long journey to my education could not have been easy were it not for their unfaltering support they had for me.
Q: What are some of the challenges that you encounter in your line of duty as an engineer, a scholar, a mother, a wife, a sister and a friend? And how do you manage all this?
Ans:
I have to make sure that I study hard and at the same time, take good care of my husband, children and have some time to meet my sisters, friends. It is a big challenge but by God’s grace, i am able to multi task. I have learnt to balance the time i have in attending to the needs of my family. My husband is very supportive and understanding too. This humbles me and gives me energy to go on. I that God for the support i get from them
Q: Tell me about your marriage (what are your husband’s view towards your studies? Does he support you? )
Ans:
My husband is very proud of me and my success. He is fully supporting me morally, spiritually and financially where necessary.
Q: How many children do you have and what is your opinion about their studies?
Ans:
We have two beautiful girls. Imagine i cannot choose which subjects they should take. That is to deny them their right to choose. I will give them freedom to choose what to do.
Q: If they go against your grain for instance, if they want to deviate from your line of education and do arts studies, would you support them?
Ans:
Yes. Absolutely.
Q: What does your husband do for a living?
Ans:
He works with Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations as an Infrastructure Advisor.
Q: What is his profession? Is he a scientist like you?
Ans:
• He has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Masters in Integrated Water Resources Management.
Q: Where are you working currently?
Ans:
I work as an assistant Lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. Currently, i am on a three -year study leave.
Q: What are you researching on?
Ans:
I am researching on Evaluation of environmental impact of production of liquid bio-fuels (bio-diesel and bio-ethanol) in Tanzania.
Q: Have you ever been looked down upon or discriminated against at place of work just because you are a woman?
Ans:
It has never happened
Q: What advice would you give to girls who shy away from taking science subjects thinking that they are hard to understand?
Ans:
I would like to advice girls that they should not be afraid of science subjects. These subjects are not too hard as they think. If they have interest in science subjects; they only need to put more effort because where there is will, there is a way.
Q: How does your day at work look like?
Ans:
I do love lecturing, when am at work my day is enjoyable.
Q: After you are through with your doctorate studies, what are the future plans for Bilha (career wise)?
Ans:
Since i have specialized on environment, I would love to work with United Nations Environmental Programme as an Environmentalist.
Q: Please give me a brief summary of what your brothers and sister have pursued in their profession. I.e. if any of them has done science subjects just like you.
Ans:
My two sisters and two brothers have done accounts, one brother did Food Science and Technology, one sister did nursing, two sisters are teachers and my other two brothers do business.
Q: What is your greatest achievement in your career?
Ans:
What I consider as greatest achievement was participating as a researcher in waste water treatment project called Constructed wetlands and water stabilization ponds (CW and WSP) of the University of Dar es Salaam. With this research project, i was able to design a constructed wetland for wastewater treatment in Dar es Salaam.
Another achievement is a proposal I wrote requesting for USD 300, 000 funds for the CW and WSP project from Bio-Earn. And this proposal was selected for funding.
Q: How old are you?
Ans:
33 years old
Q: For how long have you been married?
Ans:
Six years
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